Fennec Fox

Hailing from the vast and arid landscapes of the Sahara Desert, the Fennec Fox boasts a history intricately woven with survival in one of the world’s most challenging environments. With roots dating back centuries, these foxes thrive in the extremes of the desert environment.

In the wild, they live in family groups of up to ten individuals, having a stable social structure. The Fennec Fox population is doing well and is not threatened. Their physical adaptations to their harsh habitat include fur-covered feet and pale, sandy fur.

The Fennec Fox’s name is derived from the Berber word “fanak,” meaning fox. Indigenous to North Africa, particularly the Sahara and Sinai deserts, these diminutive foxes have evolved unique features to endure the relentless heat and scarcity of resources in their native habitat.

Fennec Foxes are very intelligent and curious animals. They are also very playful and energetic, and they love to explore and dig. However, as nocturnal animals, most of their energy is expressed during the nighttime.

Pet Fennec Foxes may form strong bonds with their owners, but they’re not as pleased with touch or cuddles as you might expect. They are also very noisy, making various sounds to communicate different moods, such as barks, howls, whimpers, and chirps.

Although they are very alert and quick to escape whenever they sense danger, they are not very aggressive. However, they are not suitable for families with young children, as they may bite or scratch if they feel threatened or annoyed.

Fennec Foxes have a distinctive appearance, with their cream-colored fur, black-tipped tails, and large ears.

• Body Size

As the smallest of all foxes, they weigh only 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.4 kilograms). They are about 14 to 16 inches long, and their tails add another 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 centimeters) to their length. As for their height, an average adult reaches up to 8 inches.

• Coat Color

Fennec Foxes have a reddish cream or tan coat and are sometimes even closer to white. Their fur is thick and fluffy, which helps them regulate body heat during the cold desert nights and cool during the hot sunny days. Their ears have black markings on the back.

There are some slight differences between males and females of the Fennec Foxes, although they may vary depending on the individual.

• Size

Males are usually slightly larger and heavier than females, and they have a more prominent mane around their necks.

• Temperament

Male Fennecs are more territorial and dominant than females, and they may mark their territory with urine. Both males and females take care of their litter.

Fennec Foxes are omnivorous animals, and they need a balanced diet of both animal and plant matter. In the wild, they eat insects, rodents, birds, eggs, fruits, and roots. As pets, they can be fed with commercial fox food, dog food, cat food, or a mixture of these.

They can also be given treats, such as fruits, and vegetables. However, they should not be given foods that are high in sugar, salt, or fat, such as chocolate, cheese, or nuts.

They should also have access to fresh water at all times, and they should not be given milk, as they are lactose intolerant.

Fennec Foxes are generally healthy animals, but they can get sick from some diseases and conditions. They need regular veterinary care and vaccinations to prevent and treat these problems.

Here are some of the health issues that Fennec Foxes may face:

• Canine distemper virus: A disease that affects Fennec Foxes’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It causes various symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, seizures, and brain damage. It is caused by stress from capture and transportation and can be prevented by vaccination.
• Rabies, parvovirus, and adenovirus: Viral diseases that affect Fennec Foxes and other animals. They cause symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and aggression. These can also be prevented by vaccination.
• Kidney, liver, and heart disease: Chronic diseases that affect Fennec Foxes’ organs and functions. They can be caused by poor diet, genetics, or aging. You may observe symptoms such as lack of energy and appetite, thirst, urination, and breathing difficulties. They can be diagnosed by blood tests and treated by medication and diet changes.
• Skin infections and mites: Common problems that affect Fennec Foxes’ skin and fur. They are caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They cause symptoms such as itching, redness, inflammation, hair loss, and scabs.

Fennec Foxes are high-maintenance pets, requiring a lot of care and attention.

They need a large and secure enclosure with enough space for them to run, play, and dig. The enclosure should have soft bedding, a litter box, toys, hiding places, and a water bowl. The enclosure should also be kept clean and dry, and the litter box should be changed frequently.

Fennec Foxes do not need to be bathed, as they groom themselves and keep their fur clean. However, they may need to be brushed occasionally, especially during the shedding season.

Fennec Foxes also need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, and they should be given at least an hour of supervised playtime outside their enclosure every day. They should also be trained and socialized from an early age, as this can help them to bond with their owners and to behave well.

Before getting a cute Fennec Fox as a pet, you should check the laws and requirements of your state and local authorities. If you want to provide a safe home to a Fennec Fox and are ready to take care and responsibility for a Fennec Fox, you should contact a rescue group that can help you find a nice pet who would appreciate your help.

Here are some groups that you can reach out to:

Save a Fox

Faithful Foxes

You can’t find Fennec Foxes at any pet store; they are exotic and protected pet species that you can get from specialized breeders. The price for a Fennec Fox can range from $2500 to $3500.

Dragon Stone Ranch

• Fennec Foxes are the smallest of all fox species.
• Fennec Foxes can jump up to 2 feet high and 4 feet long, and they can run up to 20 miles per hour.